Proprietor & Integration Agreement, Special Character, sacredly held beliefs and guiding verses
Proprietor & Integration Agreement
Through the integration process carried out in 1998, Peria Christian Education Inc (PCE), a registered charity, became the integration partners with the Crown, and as such the guardians of the schools Special Christian Character. As the owners and proprietors of the school property, PCE is also responsible for development and major maintenance. Overall management of the operation of the school, including delivery of the Special Christian Character, is delegated to the School Board.
The functions of PCE are carried out by the Peria Christian Education Inc Proprietor Board (PB), a committee of between eight and ten Trustees elected by and from the members of PCE.
The PCE constitution, which contains the PCE Statement of Faith, together with the integration agreement provides the purpose, objectives and rules of PCE. These are supported by the Core Purpose and Core Values statements and PCE policies and procedures, and together they all provide guidance for the operation of PCE.
PCE is responsible for the provision and capital upkeep of the school property for which it receives some state funding.
It also receives “Attendance Dues” which are paid by the parents of children attending the school. Attendance Dues can be used to administer their collection, construction project services, lease or rental payments, insurance, building WOF's and debt servicing.
Statement of Faith
Holy Scripture and Education
By faith we confess the books of the Old and New Testaments to be the divinely inspired, inerrant Word of God (2 Tim. 3: 16,17), the only absolute rule for all faith and conduct, and therefore also for the education of our children at home and at school.
Christian Parents and Education
As believing parents we have Christ's comforting assurance for our children that theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven and that He will bless them when we bring them to Him (Mark 10: 13-16). Expecting the fulfilment of His promise and obeying the command of His apostle, we endeavour to"bring our children up "in the discipline and instruction of the Lord" (Eph.6:4) :
Since the responsibility for this task has been placed on our shoulders as parents, we gladly accept responsibility for that part of the education which takes place outside our homes in the school. We consider the establishment of Christian Schools, which are to assist us in the work of Christian nurture and education, to be our duty and God-given privilege.
Christian Schools
As Christ is the Saviour and Lord of the whole human life (Matt. 28:18_ Eph. 1:20-22 Co. 1: 16, 17), we understand by a Christian School such an educational institution as one in which not only is Christ honoured by prayer and study of the Bible, but in which all subjects are taught by the light of God's revelation in Jesus Christ contained in the Old and New Testaments.
For such a Christian School, we, as parents, claim all freedom in the field of education as long as this education takes place in obedience to the requirements of God's Word and in adherence to legitimate governmental standards and provisions.
God and Creation
All things were created by God so that "what is seen was not made out of what was visible" (Hebrews 11:3). God created them in, through and for Christ, (Col. 1:15-17), by His word and Spirit, (Gen. 1; Psa, 33:6), to the glorification of His Holy Name (psa. 8; Psa, 19:1-4; Rom. 11:36). It is also by God's hand, power and care that all created things are preserved and controlled (Psa; 99; Matt. 6:24f; Acts 17:24f). In order to understand world, man and history, we must see them in their relationship to God as the Bible speaks of them.
The Bible and Sciences
Creation as well as Scripture has been brought forth by the one God of Truth. Therefore, any seeming discrepancy between the Bible and Science can only be due to human error either in science or in the interpretation of Scripture. Science is truly scientific when both nature and Scripture are taken seriously.
Man
Man was created in the image of God to enjoy true communion with his Creator (Gen. 1 :26f; Acts 17:26f), Man was instructed to exercise dominion over the world in strict and loving obedience to God, to interpret all reality in accordance with His design and law and to reflect in his person and works the excellence of his Maker (Gen. 1:28f; Psa. 8:4f; Rom. 1:20).
Sin
By disobeying God's law and forsaking his office, man estranged himself from God and his neighbour and brought God's curse upon himself and upon all creation (Gen. 3:16-19;,Rom. 8:19f). He also became blind to life's true meaning and purpose, misused his knowledge and abilities, adhered to man-centred philosophies, and made himself false gods of his own imagination and desires (Rom. 1: 18f).
Christ
Jesus Christ, the second Person of the Holy Trinity, is God incarnate, the Word became flesh (John 1:1-14). Laying down His life for His sheep (John 10:10-15), He paid the penalty of sin for them, being a ransom for all who truly believe in Him (Matt. 20:28; Rom. 5:6f; 1 Tim. 2:5-6).
Risen from the dead in His physical body (Luke 24:36-43), and having ascended to the throne of Heaven, He is the King of the Universe (Matt. 28:28, 1 Pet. 3:22). By His Word and Spirit He rules in grace over all true believers. Redeeming their life in its entirety, renewing them after His image and restoring them to fellowship with God and their fellow men, He seeks to make them obedient to God's will in all spheres of life (Rom. 8: 1-17).
The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit, the third Person of the Holy Trinity (2 COL 13: 13), the divine source of all created life (Gen. 1 :2; Psa. 104:30), is also the source of Faith in Christ, the true, spiritual knowledge and of a new sanctified life in grateful obedience to God's will (John 3:3f; 1 Cor. 2:9f; 12:3; Eph. 3:14t).
Since, therefore, the fruit of all Christian education depends on the gracious operations of the Holy Spirit, both parents and teachers are to perform their task with constant prayer that the Spirit may enable them to be good instruments in His hands for bringing the children up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord, and that He may so bless their work that the children come to know the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour and Lord, whom to follow and serve in all spheres of life as their greatest privilege and joy.
Membership of Peria Christian Education Inc
Eligibility for membership shall be open to such persons over the age of eighteen years who
are interested in furthering the Objects of the Association,
are members and regular attenders of a Church whose doctrine is in agreement with the Statement of Faith of this constitution,
declare their agreement with the Objects of the Association,
agree with and accept the statement of faith,
agree to abide by the PCE constitution,
indicate clearly their acceptance of Christ personally as Saviour and Lord, and
give evidence to the satisfaction of the Board of Trustees or it’s delegated representatives that they are leading lives compatible with Christian Principles.
Special Character
Matamata Christian School is a State Integrated School with a Christian Special Character. The school was established by and for parents choosing an education for their children based on a sound Biblical foundation and on beliefs, values and lifestyle as reflected in the Holy Bible.
Our special character is outlined in our integration agreement. The proprietor oversees the way our special character is maintained and upheld, and has the right to determine what is necessary for this.
Special Character Definition (Clause 16 of the Integration Agreement)
Matamata Christian School is a Christian Primary School established by and for parents choosing an education for their children based on a sound Biblical foundation and on beliefs, values and lifestyle as reflected in the Holy Bible
The Special Character of the school is determined by the Christian beliefs and values held by Peria Christian Education Incorporated, the functions of which are carried out by an elected Board known as the Proprietor Board.
The Mission Statement and goal of the school is:
"Matamata Christian School, together with the parents, works to provide a Christ-centred education based on Biblical foundations. We strive for personal excellence in the academic, spiritual, physical, and emotional areas to equip children for life and prepare them for eternity".
To this end, everything that is taught at the school is fully immersed into the Christian world view based firmly on the Holy Bible, both as a source of truth and the unifying factor which gives perspective and meaning to all learning.
The principle features of the perspective are
knowledge of God the Father
the Creator and Sustainer of all existence
appreciation of the Lord Jesus Christ
as the Son of God and Saviour of the world by acknowledgement of sin, action of repentance and acceptance of God's gift of salvation
recognition of the Holy Spirit's work
in reveling God's truth and convicting people of that truth
promotion of a balanced lifestyle
fostering spiritual, academic, social and physical development through an ordered and disciplined environment
ingraining of effective self-discipline
by educating students to be appreciative, co-operative, responsible, conscientious and above all, caring towards others and the creation around them
Sacredly held beliefs & values
Marriage
Marriage is Biblically defined as being between one man and one woman (Gen 2:24, 1 Cor 7:2-16, Eph 5:23-33, Matt 19:5-6). It is recognised as being one person united to a person of the opposite sex as husband and wife in a covenantal, consensual and contractual relationship recognised in law.
Gender
The Bible is clear that in the beginning God created mankind as male and female (Gen 1:27) and this portrayal is based on, amongst other things, the physical ability of the male and female together to procreate (Gen 1:28). As gender is God given (Psalm 139: 13-16) and there is nothing in scripture to indicate any difference between the anatomical and any other type of identity, the term “gender” is limited to the two separate and distinct sexes, male and female.
Inclusiveness
That no one is ever discriminated against on the basis of outward characteristics such as race or ethnicity (Gen 1:26, Acts 17:26), biological gender (Gen 1:27-28, Gal 3:28), age (1 Tim 4:12), Ps 92:14) or disability (1 Sam 16:7) – for God looks at the heart (John 7:24), nor personal preferences such as location of residence or political, denominational or doctrinal views, however, as per the special character of the school, such views and beliefs must not conflict with the statement of attestation to meet enrolment and employment criteria.
Other lifestyles & belief systems
Matamata Christian School provides Christian education on the basis of Biblical tenets. These have practical implications for the kind of lifestyle practices, and types of relationships that a Christian would consider as God-honouring. It is recognised that society accepts other belief systems and lifestyle practices that may differ from this position.
Matamata Christian School teaches that Christians are expected to show Biblical love to everyone. 1 Cor: 13, but must also honour God with the way they live. We believe Christians must always be prepared to share their faith, but must do this with gentleness and respect. 1 Peter 3:15.
Creation | The Fall | Redemption
Creation:
At MCS it is believed and taught that a plain contextual reading of Genesis 1 and 2 is that about 6000 years ago, in six normal length 24 hour days, God completed His very good creation, and on the seventh day He rested (Genesis 1:1 - 2:1. Exodus 20:8-11).
MCS acknowledges that others may hold different views of Genesis 1 and 2, however belief in any particular view is NOT a prerequisite for enrolment
The Fall:
Through Adams disobedience, (Genesis 2:17, 3:6), sin and death entered the world, (Romans 5:12), and God pronounced a curse on the world, changing it completely, (Genesis 3:16-19, Romans 8:20-22). However God graciously promised to one day send a redeemer who would save His people from the curse of sin, Genesis 3:15).
Redemption Through Christ:
The promised Redeemer, Jesus Christ, stepped into the world 2000 years ago and led a perfect life. He came to save the world from sin, (John 3:16 – 17), by dying on a cross and rising three days later - paying the death penalty for those who receive His free gift of eternal life, (Romans 6:23)
Guiding verses
Divine ownership of the natural world
The earth is the Lords, and all it contains, and those who dwell in it. Psalms 24:1
People as stewards, not owners
And he called ten of his slaves, and gave them ten minas, and said to them, “do business with this until I return”. Luke 19:3
Biblical equality
Biblical equality is appropriately captured in the following scriptures: Galatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Romans 2:11 For God shows no partiality. Genesis 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God He created him, male and female He created them.
Christian Service
Whatever you do, do you work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men. Knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. Colossians 3:23-24
Relationships
Remember this, my dear friends! Everyone must be quick to listen, but slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. James 1:19 - 20
Be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32.
Personal Responsibility
Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed – Proverbs 16:3.
A wise man’s heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction – Proverbs 16:23.
Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbour, for we are all members of one body Ephesians 4:25..
Personal Accountability
Even if I have truly erred, my error lodges with me. Job 19:4
So then each one of us shall give account of himself to God. Romans 14:12
Conflict resolution
If your brother sins against you, go to him and show him his fault. But do it privately, just between yourselves. If he listens to you, you have won your brother back. But if he will not listen to you, take one or two other persons with you, so that 'every accusation may be upheld by the testimony of two or more witnesses,' as the scripture says”. Matthew 18:15-16.
Christian Life Education
The School Board through the Principal shall ensure that the school shall, at all times and in the future, be conducted and operated so as to -
maintain and preserve the schools Christian Character
provide an education to children in the light of God’s word, and in which students are encouraged to develop Christian character and the abilities which God has given them as fully as possible
provide education which is also moral and spiritual and in agreement with the basic principles and creeds contained within the Associations Constitution, in particular the Associations Statement of Faith
be consistent with the Associations Special Character
carry out the Core Purpose of the Association
incorporate and encourage the practice of the Core Values of the Association
The School Board understands that “the fruit of all Christian education depends on the gracious operations of the Holy Spirit” and that it is only “that He may so bless their (teachers and parents) work that the children come to know the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour and Lord”.
Therefore the Principal shall ensure that parents and teachers understand that “parents and teachers are to perform their task with constant prayer that the Spirit may enable them to be good instruments in His hands for bringing the children up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Clause 11.4.6b of the PCE Constitution)
Further the Principal shall ensure that each child will grow to understand what is required to be able to –
recognise that the Bible is the Divinely inspired, inerrant Word of God, and the only absolute rule of faith and conduct. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
explain the Christian faith .1 Peter 3:15
understand their identity in the arms of a faithful, loving and providing God. Psalm 139
understand that God has a purpose for their lives Jeremiah. 29:11-14
develop a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ (Recognise sinfulness. Requirement for Repentance. Seeking forgiveness). Romans 6:23, 10:9 1 John 1:9
lead others to a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Matthew 28:16-20
pray for others and themselves 2 Corinthians 1:11 Ephesians 6 :18
offer praise and worship through dance, music, movement, silence, stillness etc. Psalm 149:3
understand what living a Christian life through a heart that is obedient to the Lord means. Romans 12:2
Employment Policy
Policy purpose:
1. To ensure that the employment process and employment relationships reflect Biblical guidelines.
2. To ensure that within employment, there is no conflict with the Schools Special Christian Character.
3. To ensure Biblical equality in employment.
4. To ensure employment contract and provisions are met.
Policy:
Prior to being offered any teaching position at Matamata Christian School, and thereafter annually prior to the end of any school year, the applicant shall confirm their acceptance of both the Statement of Faith and definition of “Special Character” of Peria Christian Education Inc and confirm their eligibility for membership of the Association, by signing the Matamata Christian School staff attestation form. (Appendix 1 to this policy)
That any current and prospective employee is never discriminated against on the basis of outward characteristics such as race or ethnicity (Gen 1:26, Acts 17:26), biological gender (Gen 1:27-28, Gal 3:28), age (1 Tim 4:12), Ps 92:14) or disability (1 Sam 16:7) – for God looks at the heart (John 7:24), nor personal preferences such as location of residence or political or denominational views, so long as they aren’t held in conflict with the Special Christian Character of the school.
The school will run an annual appraisal process for all staff involved in the teaching of students at the school.
Classroom Release Time (CRT), as specified in the Teachers’ Collective Contract, will be provided to all teachers employed for 0.8 or more.